#JungleBookEvent: Walking the Red Carpet at The Jungle Book

I attended the #JungleBookEvent. My flight, lodging and accommodations were provided by Disney. All opinions are 100% my own.

On Monday, April 4th, Hollywood gathered together at the historic El Capitan Theatre, for the red carpet world premiere of Disney’s most recent live action full length feature film. It was a beautiful, cool evening in down town Los Angeles. The red carpet was rolled out and was adorned by lush greens and bright flowers. The scene was set and guests were transported into the Indian jungle. At the end of that red carpet the world would finally see The Jungle Book. And I had the privilege, along with 24 bloggers, to witness history. Sure, saying I witness history in the making may seem dramatic but it was a dramatic event and I am confident in saying that this film will be historic from its visual effects to the stellar acting; but that’s a different story.

Walking the red carpet was a surreal experience; I’d say it was on my bucket list but I didn’t ever consider that it would be a possibility to attend a red carpet premiere! When you’re on the red carpet the energy level is at full force and it’s really difficult to not feel rushed as you’re walking down the carpet. And when I say that it’s difficult to not feel rushed on the red carpet that’s in part because of the length of the walk. Yes, truth be told, the red carpet does not go on for miles and miles. And see that pretty, rope wrapped in jungle vines in the picture below? The movie stars, producers, celebrities and other super important people are on one side of the rope and VIP people are on the other side. It’s not just a free for all where the director, producers, actors and actresses are trying to do interviews with the media. No photobombing when Entertainment Tonight is trying to interview Lupita Nyong’o at this event!

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 04: A view of the red carpet for The World Premiere of Disney’s “THE JUNGLE BOOK” at the El Capitan Theatre on April 4, 2016 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)

For our red carpet experience to be effective we all had a photo buddy so we each can focus taking pictures of each other on the red carpet. My photo buddy was fellow blogger and Florida native, Carlee, from Frugal and Fun Mom. We bonded earlier in the day because of our shared love for Freeform’s new series Shadowhuntersas well as other fine sci-fi/fantasy shows.

Carlee and I as we were stepping onto the actual red carpet.

I honestly have no idea how long I was actually on the red carpet; it felt like a lifetime but was also over in a flash. There was so much to take in and there were so many celebrities and people whom I admired that I would have loved to grab a picture with but they were at the premiere with their kids. You know, stars, they’re just like us; as bold as I can be I draw the line at family time. This was a family event. I do have to say that actor Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite)and his children were standing right behind me as we entered the red carpet area and while I didn’t ask for a picture, here’s one of them for you!

We were warned that the red carpet would be over in a flash. And it was. Here’s the proof that I was there though.

After we took our time walking the red carpet it was time to head into the iconic theater. Unfortunately, and of course, as I expected this they took our phones. It was such a bummer because as Carlee and I were wandering into the lobby towards the theater I turned around and saw this beautiful person.

Yes, that’s lead actress, Katherine McNamara, of Freeform’s new hit TV show Shadowhunters. (The show airs on Tuesday nights on the Freeform channel, however, the season finale just aired so you’ll have to catch up on season one and wait for season 2. Hulu was streaming it.) I turned around in the lobby and was standing right next to Miss McNamara! We chatted a bit; she’s insanely beautiful in person and she is so humble and kind. I love the TV show and now that I’ve met her I love the show even more.

Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney

After we watched the movie we all walked across the street to the Ohm Nightclub for the after party (pictured above). The food was fabulous, there was a live jazz ensemble, the drinks were flowing, they had arts and crafts for the kids to do at the party, as well as a honeycomb station presented by the National Honey Board. Of course, in true Hollywood fashion there were celebrities, lots and lots of celebrities. It’s hard when you’re in a room with famous people; it’s a once in a lifetime experience but you don’t want to be that person at the party. These people are there to enjoy themselves, celebrate their hard work and catch up with friends. Thankfully, I did not leave the party without at least one photo. I was walking through a room and I somehow made eye contact with Dax Shepard. Seeing that I recognized him, he waved me over. James Zahn, of The Rock Father, was with me and when in Rome…

The evening was one that I will never ever forget. It was magical.

Don’t forget! The Jungle Book opens worldwide on April 15th in a theater near you.

As the creator of the lifestyle blog and book, Me Before Mom, Bert supports millennial moms facing the challenges and changes of motherhood. Me Before Mom is an online community that offers support through real life stories, encouraging advice, and answers to questions about how a woman maintains herself during this self-sacrificial time of parenthood. Stories from Bert Anderson have helped women across the globe through the Huffington Post, Today’s Parent, and on the Harry show. Whether weathering the first year of motherhood or walking through the later stages of motherhood, Bert has helped many continue to find herself while still in the throes of motherhood. Purchase your copy of Me Before Mom: Putting Your Oxygen Mask on First today!

3 Comments

Bre
on April 8, 2016 at 9:56 am

Wow Bert!! That sounds like such a great time. I can tell you had a blast, look at those smiles!

I love how you recognized the humility and humanity of the actors and respected their work and space. And yet, that respect paid off in some special meet and greets! What a delight this trip was for you! This is a great reminder to never shy away from dreams coming true and listing them on your bucket list. Thanks for sharing this experience with us!